Lamp shade and method of making the same



Patented Apr. .12, 1932 UNITE. 'ATES EDNA A. HASTINGS, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO, ASSTGNOR TO Il fARRY E. SGHREIIBER, OF

CLEVELAIVD, V OHIO LAMP SHADE METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME No Drawing. Application filed July 18,

This invention relates to a method of treating paper for producing variegated and ornamental color effects thereon, whereby it may be adapted for use as a lamp shade. Lamp sh ades of this character are commonly known as parchment shades, and so far as I am aware, have heretofore been made by soaking a relatively expensive paper in water until it is soft and pliable. It is then dried, treated with mineral oil, and then creased or crumpled to obtain a crackled effect. Thereafter, the decoration is applied, and the paper is assembled on the frame. A finish coating of shellac is then applied on the outer surface of the shade.

I have found however, that this method of making a lamp shade is objectionable, for unsightly white spots appear on the shade, after it has been standing for about a month, and that such spots cannot be removed by subsequent treatment. Accordingly, the shades are rendered unsalable. It is my belief that the objectionable discoloration is due principally to the character of the oil which has been used, and also to the fact that the paper may hold occluded moisture, which has not been entirely removed before the oil has been applied. It is also my belief that the alcohol in the shellac attacks the mineral oil, and thereby tends to produce objectionable discoloration, although discoloration has occurred even though the shellac has not been used. It is desirable however to apply a finish coating of shellac in order to enhance the finished appearance of the shade.

An object of my invention therefore, is to provide a method of treating paper, which will not only eliminate the objectionable discoloration, but which will also permit the shade to be made from relatively inexpensive paper, and in a materially reduced period of time. I

I carry out my invention by cutting the pattern from a grade of paper, which is commercially known as manila 2-K and which is a relatively cheap grade of craft paper. Heat is applied, as by an ironing operation, to drive ofi occluded moisture, and hen the oil is applied to each side of the paper. I have found that best results can be obtained 1930. Serial No. 468,998.

by utilizing castor oil, and that the oilhas greater penetrating properties if it is mixed with denatured alcohol. For this. purpose, Ifhave found that the ingredients can be mixed in. the proportions of substantially two-thirds .castor oil, and one-third denatured alcohol. If desired however, the castor oil can be used without the solvent, but when so used, it is diflicult to handle as it will not flow readily.

After the paper has been so treated, it is suspended until the alcohol is evaporated. If additional translucency is desired, heat is applied on one side with a very hot iron, and

then the surface is brushed immediately with clear castor oil while the paper is still hot. The heat may, if desired, be applied after instead of before the second application of oil to produce substantially the same results.

Surplus oil is then removed by placing the paper between layers of absorbent paper. If a crackled effect is desired on the shade, the paper is then bent along the desired lines,

and in such manner that the concave side of .7

the creases are disposed on the outer side.

The creases may then be smoothed out with a mediumhot iron'and additional clear Castor oil may be applied to those regions where additional translucency is necessary. A decoration can now be applied to the surface either by tinting or by painting a figure or character thereon. Then the paper can be fastened onto the frame in the usual way, and a coating decoration.

I have found that shades made in accordance with mymethod are entirely free from the presence of objectionable spots, even though they are made with or without the application of shellac as a finish coating. Fur

of shellac applied to protect the.

moisture, applying a coating of vegetable oil mixed with a solvent, evaporating the solvent, applying intense heat, and then applying a coating of vegetable oil to obtain additional translucency.

2. A method of treating paper for making lamp shades, comprising cutting a paper pattern, applying a mixture of castor oil and alcohol thereto, allowing the alcohol to evaporate, applying heat, applying a coating of vegetable oil While the paper is hot, creasing the paper, and then applying a decoration thereto.

3. A method of treating paper for making a lamp shade, comprising cutting a paper pattern, ironing it, applying a mixture of castor oil and alcohol to each side of the paper, suspending the paperuntil the alcohol is evaporated, applying intense heat to one side oft-hepaper, applying a coating of castor oil, While the paper is hot, removing surplus oil, creasing the paper, and then applying a decoration thereto.

4. Amethod oftreating paper for making lamp shades comprising cutting a paper pattern, applying a mixture of castor oil and a solvent thereto, allowing the solvent to evaporate, applying asecond layer of castor oil and subjecting the second layer to intense heat until it is impregnated into the paper.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature.

EDNA A. HASTINGS. 

